Divisions are running deep in the Church of England as traditionalists continue to express disappointment and dismay at Monday's vote in support of women bishops, whilst modernisers celebrate what they believe will be a more inclusive Church.
General Synod, the Church's ruling body, voted on Monday night after a six-hour debate to confirm the process towards the ordination of women bishops but rejected proposals to appoint "super bishops" or new dioceses to cater for objectors.
Synod members instead voted in favour of a statutory code of practice detailing how to accommodate opponents that will be debated at next February's Synod in London.
A group of liberals, Modern Churchpeople's Union, agreed at their annual conference to support the Synod vote.
Jonathan Clatworthy, general secretary of the MCU, said, "This paves the way for equal treatment for women and men through all the layers of the church, without discrimination. We consider this to be of fundamental importance.
"The code of practice has yet to be drawn up and we would urge those charged with the task to protect this vital principle so that the church fully reflects the best insights of the 21st century."
John Plant, chair of the MCU, said that the vote "allows the Church to be inclusive of those who take other views".
"We hope this allows traditional catholics and conservative evangelicals to continue to contribute to the rich diversity of Anglicanism," he said.
The Church of England has ordained women priests since 1994. The Diocese of Oxford has the highest number of women priests, more than 250.
The Bishop of Oxford, the diocese with the most women priests at more than 250, said it was time to "rejoice generously" with them in their ministry.
"They serve with distinction in town and country and can now look forward to women's ministry being honoured without equivocation," said the Rt Rev John Pritchard.
